Sonam Wangchuk: Indian activist urged to end hunger strike as he loses 9.1kg in 19 days

Wangchuk has so far refused to call off his fast. On Tuesday, he’d told the BBC that “I have to take what I’ve begun to its logical conclusion”.

On Wednesday, a video that went viral showed the activist being helped by people while he walked. But a minute later, he was seen clutching his leg and wincing in pain and had to sit down in a chair.

Meanwhile, a petition was filed in the high court, seeking “to take him to a government hospital and force-feed him” to prevent him from dying.

The government is treating the activist “like a hardcore criminal, terrorist or traitor to the nation” and is not concerned about him, the petition said.

“If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world,” legal website Bar and Bench quoted from the plea.

At Jantar Mantar, despite the heat – weather apps say the current temperature is 37C but real feel is 44C – the crowds have begun to thicken. Hundreds have gathered here and their main worry is over Wangchuk’s health.

“He didn’t need to fast – he’s doing this for us, he’s sitting here for our future. I’m appealing to more people to come here and join this peaceful protest,” said Anshu Jha, a college student.

“I’ll feel very guilty if anything happened to him,” she added.

Dr Satish Lamba, who checked Wangchuk’s health parameters, said that he has lost fat and is now losing muscle mass.

“Next stage would be if his organs are affected and that would be very worrying,” he said.

The protest at Jantar Mantar, an 18th Century astronomical observatory in the Indian capital, was started by CJP, led by its founder Abhijeet Dipke.

Wangchuk is not alone. Several others, external, including members of student organisations, are also on hunger strike alongside him. One of them was taken to hospital after his health deteriorated sharply earlier in the week.

The protesters have called for a day-long hunger strike on Thursday.

They have also announced plans to march to the parliament on 20 July, the day the next session starts.